General Chat

Jess, I can't imagine how hard this is for you and Alex's family and really don't know what to say other than I'm so sorry. Don't know if this is of any help but my eldest daughter recently had a jigsaw puzzle made of a photograph to give to someone as a present and I guess that's the sort of thing you could customise regarding number of pieces. Thinking of you, Alex and all the family. Daisy

Jess, I would think anything is worth a try, and the Argos catalogue might help. You could try and find out if there is a toy library attached to a Handicapped children centre, we used to have one in Norwich, (maybe it is still there) and you could hire games and stuff out for a week at a time. That way you could try lots of things without too much outlay. Also have a look in Charity shops, you can always wipe things over with medicated wipes before you take them in to Alex. I do hope her condition improves but what ever happens you are being the best friend ever.

Just had a thought ~ her lspeech/ anguage is very poor, tends to repeat what you say~ Argos catalogue ~ look thru that together , see what she can recognise and perhaps name? kind of age appropriate somehow. Where could i get a clothing catalogue?~ do the same maybe? Jess x

Jess My heart goes out to you and all that family. My late brother Douglas had brain damage from birth, and at first we didn't know that there was a problem. It was only as he became older that it became apparent. By the time he reached adulthood, he had a mental age of a 6 year old. However, he loved life, and we all treated him on the level he could understand. He loved colouring books and pens, listening to music (especially children's music). Everywhere we went, he went as well, and we have some fond memories of him, although he's been gone now for 14 years. I know this is obviously a different case, but you all have to a very steep learning curve as to how to treat Alex. If she enjoys doing all the childlike activities, so be it. If it gives her pleasure, then take pleasure in that as well, and know that you are being a good friend. If you need to talk, let me know. ((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Love PP xx

Jess that may be a trigger she needs to jolt her back - take familiar things in, take the childrens paintings, cards, books that she may have read to them. Everything and anything is worth a try and it may make the difference Joanne

The bit of me that is reluctant to take in anything with juvenille pictures or anything like that , so smacks of ...dunno...inignity? - she ran our school nursery...which makes it harder. jess

Jess, I'm very sad to hear about your friend Alex, am sure we all have a story about someone similar, so will wish Alex good wishes and hope that things will correct as time heals. Good luck and want you to know I think you are a really good friend to Alex. Debs

Jess, that is really hard for you, probably harder for you than Alex as quite likely she in unaware. The jigsaw would depend on what age she has regressed to. I would think a brightly coloured one with animals might be good, dogs or cats/kittens. Also picture books. It seems demeaning to us but it wont be to her and will hopefully stimulate her. maybe starting with something simple she might progress forward a little. what about music that she might recognise, did she go to Sunday School, maybe children's hymns. But your love and attention will help a lot too. as somebody has already said, you are a wonderful friend to her. ((((hugs)))) for you and for Alex. Ann Glos

I really do hope and pray she finds her way back Jess... Sending out healing thoughts to you all.... LOU XXXXXXXXXX

very much ''there but for the grace of God...'' She only went out to meet a friend for coffee, one teatime, keeled over ...heart attack....and that was that. just over the 3 months ago now. Its scarey really , could be you or I tommorow. Got to pull together for her though jess

Jess I know it isn't quiet the same but When my Dad had his stroke and he went into a child like state for some months we used jigsaws from the early learning center to help with co-ordination ( not jigsaws as such but those that are shapes and you slot them in ) So there would be car's, animals, food items such as veg and we would get him to slot them in and then tell us what they were, and then ask him later if he knew what they were called. We also bought playing cards - animal snap etc, it just keep his mind occupied and also helped his memory. Just a thought Joanne xxx

Jess my heart goes out to you all . Take Care Germaine xxx

Jess my heart goes out to you and all family and friends there are no words to help So here is a big ((((((((((HUG))))))))))) for you xxx Howie

Jess love prayers and positive thoughts for you Alex and her family Valxxx

Jess my heart goes out to you. When I read cases like this I always think There but for the grace of God go I and only hope it never happens Maureen x

Oh jess my heart goes out to you and Alex, you are one hell of a friend - I wish I had a friend like you and I'm sure many others would say the same I hope that you see improvements and I will keep sending positive thoughts to you and Alex. Joanne xx

Jess - have a look at the RNIB site for the jigsaw you are on about..... or ask at an Adult Education Centre and see if they can lend you one! xx

Update: Just had an E-mail fron Alex dad, to thank me for going, and asking me to suggest anything i can in the way of rehab kind of activites..Any ideas anyone? where would i get 6 piece adult kinda jigsaws?

Jess my uncle (you may remember he ran away when he was in hospital) he was found with head injuries how he got them we still dont know and as he is a diabetic and was without medication he has brain damage. Dad says he is like a child again in a 47 year olds body. Dad says I wouldn't recognise him or be able to understand him. heartbreaking for the family especially my nan who because he has had to be moved to a home in Stoke that can cope with his needs will never see him again. Think you probably helped her by playing horses what girl doesn't like doing that. Only thing is she probably doesn't remember what she was like. Admire you for going to see her I still haven't been to see Kev brings back memories of how my Gt Gran was and I was frightened of her. Just remember you are doing her good . d xx

Oh Jess, sending a hug to you and Alex and her family. Claire xx